Late melanoma recurrence is not uncommon but is associated with better post-recurrence survival

In this study researchers compared patient and cancer traits associated with early versus late recurrence (return of the cancer) of melanoma.

Late recurrence of melanoma means the return of the cancer more than 10 years after the initial treatment. Although a melanoma that does not recur within 10 years has been previously regarded as “cured”, little is known about the frequency of late melanoma recurrence. A late melanoma recurrence could be different from early recurrences in terms of treatment and prognosis. Therefore, it is important to understand what predisposes a patient to late recurrences and whether late recurrence affects survival.

The researchers examined 4,731 melanoma patients who have been successfully treated. 6.8% of these patients experienced a recurrence after 15 years of follow up and 11.3% had a recurrence 25 years after treatment. Overall, 408 patients had a recurrence any time after more than 10 years of follow up. Compared to the patients with early recurrence (recurrence after less than 3 years after the treatment), late recurrence patients were more likely to be young, female and have less advanced disease. Also, in late recurrence patients, the new melanoma was more likely to be far from the site of the first tumor. Regardless of cancer stage at recurrence, late recurrences were associated with better survival than early recurrence.

In summary, a late melanoma recurrence is not uncommon and certain groups of patients are more likely to experience a late recurrence. However, these patients have been shown to have better survival rates after the recurrence compared to patients who experienced an early recurrence. 

Visit your doctor for regular check-ups for potential recurring melanoma.